Deans' Roundtable
Annual Conference
Marlborough, MA
Important Note
The Deans’ Roundtable Annual Conference has been a cornerstone gathering for student-life professionals since 2012.
We will not be hosting the conference this year as we focus on expanding year-round support, professional learning, and strategic partnerships with schools and organizations.
We look forward to gathering again in the future and will share updates with our community as plans take shape.
In the meantime, explore our current offerings, resources, and conversations designed to support student-life leaders where they are.
New England Innovation Academy
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Registration Is Open
This year’s conference promises to be extraordinary! We’ll be announcing our speaker lineup soon, featuring leading voices in student life and higher education. Be among the first to secure your spot.
Package/Payment Details
Deans' Roundtable Community Members receive a $200 Discount
ALL Who Register Before March 15th will receive $100 off
New Deans
June 23
$650
A perfect day for new student life professionals looking to supercharge the beginning of their career.
Regular Deans
June 24-26
$1500
Three days of retreat to reinvigorate your passion for the people who matter most to you: the students.
Full Deans
June 23-26
$1800
The best of both worlds! Four full days of action-packed sessions with a chance to meet and hear the full speaker line-up. New Deans don’t be shy.
Why the DRT Annual Conference?
At the forefront of professional development for student life professionals since 2012, providing a unique space for growth, learning, and connection.
Current & Relevant Topics
Our four-day conference tackles the hot topics that are top of mind. From work-life balance and emotional intelligence to restorative practices and discipline, we ensure you stay ahead of the curve with sessions covering the key issues that matter most in today’s educational landscape.
Safe & Supportive Community
Understanding that roles in student life can often feel isolating, our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for all attendees. We offer year-round networking opportunities to foster a community of support and collaboration.
Visionary
Leadership
Connect with peers and visionary leaders dedicated to shaping the future of academia. Our conference provides transformative experiences that equip you with the strategies and connections needed to be successful at your school.
Serving Every Educational Environment
We proudly cater to diverse educational institutions, providing tailored insights for your specific context.
Conference FAQs
The conference is intended for student life professionals in the K-12 space. All are welcome: day schools, boarding schools, etc.
Yes, it is possible just to attend the New Deans’ portion. The New Deans is for anyone who has served in a student life role for three years or less.
The conference will be held at the New England Innovation Academy in Marlborough, MA.
The New Deans Session is a one day event held on June 23.
The Regular Deans Session is three days held from June 24-26.
The Full Deans Session includes all four days from Just 23-26.
Not at this time, but stay tuned!
Yes, we encourage teams to attend.
We are excited to announce our 2025 Annual Conference Speakers!
| Deans' Roundtable 2024 Annual Conference Speakers |
|---|
Aubry Triptow: “EQ Solution: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in School Leadership” |
Whitney A. White: “The Power of Virtual Reality to Foster Empathy & Reduce Bias” |
Casidy Sanders: Self-Care – “Are You Present?” |
Dr. Vanessa Prosper: “Landscape of Student Mental Health” |
Sarah Fay: “Legal Hot Topics” |
Travel Info
Our Past Speakers
Our Past Speakers
2025
• Dr. George Jame, LMFT, MBA, CEO, George Talks: “I Give Myself Permission”
• RE.A.L. Discussion – “Having R.E.A.L. Discussions In Advisory”
•Learning Courage Team – “From C.A.R.E. to Culture: Strengthening Systems of Student Support through Leadership”
•Schwartz Hannum – “Legal Hot Topics”
•Soundcheck Prevention, Lee Bergeron – “Student Wellness Hot Topics”
•David Torcoletti – “Building a Faculty Field Guide: Essential Tools for Understanding Today’s Students”
2024
• Whitney A. White, CEO, Equity Commons, Executive Coach: “The Power of Virtual Reality to Foster Empathy & Reduce Bias”
• Sarah Fay, Managing Partner at Scwarrtz Hannum: “Legal Hot Topics”
• Aubry Triptow, Education Consultant, Executive Director, The GEAR Leader: “EQ Solution: The Importance of Emotional
Intelligence in School Leadership”
• Dr. Vanessa Prosper, Licensed Child and Adolescent Psychologist: “Landscape of Student Mental Health”
2022
• Alex Myers, Gender Identity Educator, Author: “Topics on Transgender issues”
• Lisa Hamp, Speaker, Safe & Sound Schools: “School Safety, Crisis Recovery, and Mental Health”
• Sasha Skulsky, Assistant Head of School, Woodhall School: “Restorative Practices”
• Aaron Terry: “Mindfulness”
• Liz Morrison, Head of School, Morristown-Beard School: “Creating Culture”
2020 (Virtual)
• Elizabeth Robinson, Chair of Board of Trustees, Williams College: “Panel Member for Discussing Issues Relating to Covid-19”
• Dr. Paul McLoughlin. Vice President, Dean of the College, Colgate University: “Panel Member for Discussing Issues Relating to Covid-19”
• Matthew Hyde Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dean of Admissions, Lafayette College: “Panel Member for Discussing Issues Relating to Covid-19”
• Charlene Mackenzie, Director, GU Center for Multicultural Equity and Access: “Panel Member for Discussing Issues Relating to Covid-19”
• Adriana Bravo, Director of Health Services, Episcopal High School: “COVID-19 Key Public Health Practices & Principles for Schools”
• Ray Diffley, Principal and Founder, RD3 Education: “Global Health & Wellness: Character, Leadership and Performance Reimagined”
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Lessons Learned from COVID“
• Dr. Olivia Moorehead -Slaughter, Psycologist, The Park School: “The Struggle is Real: Conversations and Reflections on Race and Social Justice“
2019
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Brooklyn Raney, Consultant, Speaker, Facilitator, Storyteller: “One Trusted Adult“
• Cindy Pierce – Author, Speaker & Comic Storyteller: “Healthy Relationships & Social Media for Students“
• Mariama Richards, Head of School, Crossroads School for Arts & Science: “Topics in DEI“
2018
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Alexandra Scott, Founder, Alex Scott Consulting: “Topics in LGBGTQ”
• Mariama Richards, Head of School, Crossroads School for Arts & Science: “Topics in DEI“
2017
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Matthew Colpitts, Emergency Preparedness Manager, University of Washington Bothell: “Emergency Planning”
• Alexandra Scott, Founder, Alex Scott Consulting: “Topics in LGBGTQ”
• Will Slotnick, Founder, Wellness Collaborative: “Drugs & Alcohol Evaluation“
• Benny Vasquz, Chief Equity Officer, KIPP Foundation: “Unpacking Racism & Bias“
• Jed Wartman, Assistant Head of School for Student Engagement, Thayer Academy: “Strategic Planning“
2016
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Jed Wartman, Assistant Head of School for Student Engagement, Thayer Academy: “College Trends”
• Mariama Richards, Head of School, Crossroads School for Arts & Science: “Topics in DEI“
• Dr. Chris Thurber, Founder & CEO, Prep4School & Prep4Camp, Clinical Psycologist, Executive Coach: “Positive Psycology”
• Jerry Larson Ed.D, MBA, Managing Partner and Head of School Search Consultant, Educational Directions: “Leadership Styles”
• Jay Hackett, Chief Campus Safety, Milton Academy: “Campus Safety Managing Crisis“
• Erin Dow, Associate Director, Camp Lochearn for Girls: “Senior Transitions, Exit Interviews“
2015
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Lisa Morin, Director of Counseling, Milton Academy: “Student Mental Health, Drugs & Alcohol“
• Mariama Richards, Head of School, Crossroads School for Arts & Science: “Topics in DEI“
• Candice Clawson, Senior Director, Workplace Learning Innovation Lab, NYU: “College Transition“
• Jerry Larson, Ed.D, MBA, Managing Partner and Head of School Search Consultant, Educational Directions: “Managing Your Peers”
2014
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• Kelly McAdams, MSW, LICSW, Education Consultant, McMillan Education: “Building Partnerships, DoS and Counselors“
• Dr. Paul McLoughlin, Vice President and Dean of the College, Colgate University: “Are You Preparing Your Graduates for College?“
• Jess Matzkin: “Healthapalooza and senior Exit Interviews“
• Chris Button, Associate Head of School, Virginia Episcopal School: “What to do when you “Mess Up“
2013
• Sara Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC: “Legal Hot Topics“
• William McCulloch, Leadership Gifts Officer, St. Paul’s School: “Digital Citizenship Workshop: “Embracing Opportunity and Confronting Challenges in the age of Social Media“
• Dr. Paul McLoughlin, Vice President and Dean of the College, Colgate University: “Are You Preparing Your Graduates for College?“
2012
• Dr. Chris Thurber, Founder & CEO, Prep4School & Prep4Camp, Clinical Psycologist, Executive Coach: “Positive Psycology”
• Hans Mundhal, COO Derrick Gay LLC: “Effectively Integrating Technology into your Curriculum“
• David Maher, Head of School, Tahoe Expedition Academy: “Back Pocket Adventures“
• Dr. Roland Davis, Educational Consultant, Trainer, Equity and Inclusion Practitioner, Stanley H. King Institute: “Transition from HS to College from a College Dean of Students“